Seeing Spots

Forever 21 Blouse, BDG Jeans, BDG Jean Jacket, Forever 21 Scarf, Vintage Justin Roper Boots, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Michael Kors Watch, Forever 21 and J. Crew Bracelets, Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

Yellow and black used to be a color combination that I would avoid at all costs. It always conjured up images of bumblebees and black eyed susans. But now that we're in the age of color-blocking there isn't really a color combination that I won't try. I think that adding the light denim jacket tones down the bumblebee effect, and the polka dot scarf adds some much-needed visual interest. The scarf is a recent find from Forever 21 and also comes in black with white dots and navy with white dots. It was hard to choose just one so I might go back for more!

Winter Scarves

Clockwise from top left: Thrifted, Thrifted, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters

I love the way something as simple and inexpensive as a scarf can instantly update your outerwear. Above are some of my favorite winter scarves paired with my J. Crew Townhouse Trench.

Top Three

 A new yellow lace dress from Forever 21.

I can't believe it's the end of January. Three more months of winter to go! It will be over before you know it...I can only hope. I'm going crazy over the Spring clothes in stores right now. Polka dots, lace, and bright colors galore! Even though it's below freezing and will probably stay that way, I just can't resist. In addition to a fruitful trip to the mall, we also did some more house hunting this week. We might have found the one, but to get a second opinion we're taking our parents to see it next week. I'll let you know how it turns out!

 A new framed photo of Paul's adorable nephew Roman.

One of my favorite Christmas gifts. I'm almost done season one!

Double Feature

Forever 21 Anorak, Forever 21 Shirt, Levi's Jeans, Frye Boots, Forever 21 Scarf, J. Crew Bag

Every Wednesday Paul and I try to see a double feature at the Ritz Theatres. There are three Ritz Theatres in Philadelphia -- Ritz East, Ritz at the Bourse, and Ritz Five -- all show independent and foreign films, and all are within walking distance of each other. The bonus is that on Wednesdays tickets are only $6.50 all day and all night. That's practically free when it comes to movie prices! And they have the best popcorn (so says Paul, I'm not a huge fan of the stuff). I usually wear something comfortable when we have a double feature day, which is why I chose this soft t-shirt and cozy scarf. This week we saw Carnage and The Descendants. Both get high marks from me, although if I had to pick a favorite I would choose The Descendants. Clooney always gets my vote!

Vintage Violet

H&M Blouse, J. Crew Skirt, J. Crew Belt, Steve Madden Booties, Rebecca Minkoff Bag, Michael Kors Watch

The color of this wool skirt, dubbed "vintage violet" by J. Crew, is incredibly vibrant and unique...which is why I had my eye on it for months. Unfortunately by the time it went on sale they didn't have any left in my size. Then came a stroke of genius. They still had plenty of petite sizes in stock, so why not try a petite size? I am by no means petite (I'm 5'8") but I reasoned that if I went up a size it would fit in the waist and just be a bit shorter in length. I don't mind short skirts, so I went for it (even though it was on final sale--so I would be out of luck if it didn't fit). Thankfully, it fit like a glove and I am now the proud owner of a gorgeous vintage violet skirt! 

Rain Gear

J. Crew Peacoat, Thrifted Sweater, BDG Jeans, Hunter Rainboots, Forever 21 Scarf, J. Crew Umbrella, J. Crew Brompton Bag, Forever 21 and J. Crew Bracelets, Michael Kors Watch

I often use rainy days as an excuse to sleep in extra late and watch bad TV, but after receiving this J. Crew umbrella for Christmas, I had good reason to get out of bed and show it off. When you have a cute umbrella and a nice pair of wellies, it's much easier to take on a rainy day. And when you find a scarf that matches both, buy it immediately!

Blogger Spotlight: Atlantic-Pacific

{all images courtesy atlantic-pacific}

Atlantic-Pacific is my go-to personal style blog. I can always count on Blair Eadie to turn up in something colorful, whimsical, and inspiring. While I wouldn't necessarily copy her looks head to toe (I'm not a heels girl), they give me great ideas on new color combinations and styles to try. Above are some of my all-time favorite Atlantic-Pacific outfits.

Top Three

 Comfy and cute J. Crew pajamas.

This week was an exciting one. Paul and I like to troll the listings on Trulia (a real estate website), and we came across a house that looked perfect for us. So Paul called his friend and real estate agent Matt, who broke the news that that house had just been taken off the market. Luckily he had plenty of others in our price range to show us, so we got to do some real life house hunting this week. So far nothing that wows us, but we're going to keep searching! This week we also went to visit my family in Oxford and had an amazing chicken pot pie dinner with lemon squares for dessert (courtesy the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks I got Mom for Christmas). After dinner we played a few rounds of Apples to Apples, and then my sister Bella showed me a new app that I'm now addicted to...Temple Run. If you have an iDevice and a lot of free time on your hands, I highly suggest it!

 The best chai concentrate out there. Just add milk!

Obsessed with interior design magazines and books right now.

Color Me Spring

Forever 21 Sweater, H&M Scarf, BDG Shorts, Steve Madden Booties, H&M Bag, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 Bracelets

When it comes to seasonal color analysis, I'm definitely a spring. Blonde hair, green eyes, and a warm skin tone...I check all the boxes. Which explains why I'm drawn to pastels and jewel tones even in the dead of winter. Once in a blue moon I'll wear head to toe black, but it just doesn't suit my coloring or personality. And while most people get frustrated and annoyed when spring clothes start popping up in stores right after the holidays, I get excited! I can usually find a way to winterize spring clothes until it's time for their official debut. This scarf, for instance, is clearly meant to be worn in warmer weather...but with a sweater, some tights, and suede booties, it's wearable now. Once Spring rolls around I'll trash the tights, swap out the sweater for a t-shirt and the booties for some sandals and I'll be good to go!

Moccasin Girl

Forever 21 Top, Forever 21 Scarf, Levi's Jeans, Minnetonka Moccasin Booties, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 and J. Crew Bracelets

There is no shoe in the world that is more comfortable than a pair of Minnetonka Moccasins. These Tramper boots are a godsend when my feet are aching after a long week of work. I will admit, UGGS are equally as comfortable, but not nearly as cute (or as inexpensive--Tramper boots are only $55)! I decided to keep the rest of the look casual as well with a slouchy button down, bright floral scarf, and my favorite pair of jeans. The look was perfect for a relaxing day at my parents' house in the suburbs.

Sailor Stripes

Forever 21 Top, Forever 21 Cardigan, J. Crew Skirt, Steve Madden Booties, H&M Bag, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 and J. Crew Bracelets

Navy with hot pink is my new favorite color combination. I used to loathe it (too late-90s Ralph Lauren) but now I've realized how great it can look when it's done tastefully. The striped t-shirt is a recent find from Forever 21 that I also snagged in another color (taupe with white stripes) and the floral skirt is one of my favorite pieces from J. Crew's Fall 2011 collection. I love how the navy accents in the outfit pick up on the darker tones in the skirt. And taupe is my new go-to for accessories so you'll be seeing this bag and these boots on the regular from now on!

A Year In Details